Final answer:
Yes, most antibiotics are produced by fungi and bacteria. This includes penicillin from fungi and tetracycline from soil bacteria. They are used in fighting microbial infections and are manufactured on a large scale through fermentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most antibiotics are indeed produced by various fungi and bacteria, which is a true statement. For instance, the well-known penicillin was discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming, and it comes from the mold Penicillium notatum. Antibiotics like penicillin and the cephalosporins have been isolated from fungi and are critical in the pharmaceutical industry. Other examples include tetracycline and streptomycin, which are derived from soil bacteria. These natural antibiotics are essential for microbial warfare, allowing the producing organism to inhibit the growth of competing bacteria in the environment. When produced at low concentrations, some antibiotics act as signaling molecules aiding in the homeostasis of microbial communities through a process known as quorum sensing. The biotechnological cultivation and genetic modification of these microorganisms enable enhanced production of antibiotics.
On the industrial scale, antibiotics are produced in large fermentation tanks and are important for controlling microbial infections in both humans and the environment, though the presence of antibiotics in environmental systems can contribute to bacterial resistance.
Thus, the answer to the student’s question would be (a) True, as most antibiotics used commercially are modified natural compounds that originate from fungi and bacteria that produce these substances to gain competitive advantages in their natural habitats or for communication within their communities.